Ellie Priester

B.A. in Outdoor Education from Northland College with an emphasis in Equity & Inclusion
Wilderness First Responder 2019-present

Ellie grew up moving around the Midwest United States and continued to move around for college and work after high school. Four years ago she began settling into the Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior’s southern shore and finally feels she can call a place “home.” The Lake and surrounding community continues to teach her much about what it means to be in relationship with the lands and waters we inhabit, and all the messiness and joy in between. After graduating from Northland College, she continued working there as an adjunct rock climbing instructor and for their Outdoor Pursuits program as a trip leader, fellow, and finally as their Program Coordinator. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders through the lenses of curiosity, compassion, and community.

Before moving to Wisconsin, she completed a 90-day outdoor educator semester with NOLS where she fell in love with the desert Southwest U.S. Then and since she has traveled hundreds of miles through the desert canyons and mesas by foot, canoe, and rope. The desert always calls her back and reminds her of the meaning of abundance.

When she’s at home she loves to splash around in Lake Superior’s chilly waters, cook delicious food, forage wild foods, and sing with her guitar all in good company. Yoga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu keep her in tune to her body and give her so much joy.